Bennett was jailed for at least six years last week after admitting causing arson with intent to endanger life with her victim still undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Caversham Road station manager Jess James, who is also a fire investigation officer, believed the fall in suspected arsons was down to various preventative factors including education and prosecution.

He insisted every fire was treated as an emergency regardless but admitted a serious arson could leave resources stretched at the town’s stations to cover accidental fires.

He said: “If you take it down to basics you have to go into the property and tackle the fire. Our guys are trained and have got all the right kit, but if there weren’t deliberate fires we would not have to be there and firefighters would not needlessly be put at risk.”

Fires are graded as primary and secondary depending on their severity with the former the more serious and involving casualties or a rescue or more than five appliances to be in attendance.